Kelso (NSW)

Kelso lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Kelso (NSW) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 11,227. This reflects an increase of 1,188 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,039. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of Kelso's resident population at 11,100 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 272 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 353 persons per square kilometer. Kelso's 11.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (3.1%) and SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, though all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over this period, placing Kelso (NSW) (SA2) in the top 10 percent of regional areas across the nation. The area is expected to grow by 4,949 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 40.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Kelso among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Kelso had around 106 dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21-FY25, approximately 531 homes were approved, with a further 22 in FY26 so far. Each new home constructed attracted an average of 2 people to the area over these years.

The average construction cost value was $472,000, indicating focus on premium market developments. This financial year saw $22.3 million in commercial approvals registered. Compared to Rest of NSW, Kelso had 139.0% higher construction activity per person as of recent periods. New building activity comprised 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's low density character.

With around 250 people per approval, Kelso reflects a transitioning market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates Kelso will grow by 4,582 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially impacting buyer competition and property prices.

Kelso has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that could impact the region. Notable projects include The Gateway Bathurst, MIR Group Residential Subdivision, Pretty Heights Estate, and Hynash Constructions' 123-Lot Subdivision. The following list details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch assessment positions Kelso ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Kelso's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in Kelso was 2.7% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

In that month, 5869 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Kelso stood at 62.0%, exceeding Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Manufacturing was particularly prominent with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 2.0% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Labour force levels in Kelso decreased by 3.0% over the 12 months to September 2025, with employment decreasing by 3.8%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment due to employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%. State-level data for NSW as of 25-Nov-25 showed employment contracted by 0.03%, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Kelso's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.1% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Kelso's income level is lower than average nationally, according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Kelso's median income among taxpayers is $53,360 and the average income stands at $64,355, compared to Rest of NSW's figures of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $58,088 (median) and $70,057 (average). From the 2021 Census, Kelso's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 49th and 50th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 35.8% of locals (4,019 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, mirroring the broader area where 29.9% occupy this category. High housing costs consume 15.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 51st percentile. Kelso's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Kelso is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In Kelso, as per the latest Census evaluation, 92.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Non-Metro NSW's composition of 86.1% houses and 13.9% other dwellings. Kelso's home ownership rate was 32.7%, lower than Non-Metro NSW's figure. The majority of dwellings were mortgaged (39.0%) or rented (28.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Kelso was $1,800, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent in Kelso stood at $360, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $315. Nationally, Kelso's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Kelso features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 77.4% of all households, including 32.5% couples with children, 27.9% couples without children, and 15.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 20.4% and group households comprising 2.3%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Kelso fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.7%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.5%) and certificates (31.7%). Educational participation is high at 32.4%, with 11.9% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.9% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Kelso's public transport analysis shows 160 active stops operating within the city. These are served by a mix of buses along 53 individual routes, offering a total of 885 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 139 meters from their nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 126 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Kelso is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Kelso faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover in Kelso is approximately 52% of the total population (~5,881 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 10.5% and 9.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 63.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.5% across Rest of NSW. Kelso has 16.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,852 people), which is lower than the 19.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Kelso is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Kelso's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.8% of its population born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 94.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Kelso, comprising 63.4% of people, compared to 61.6% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.2%), English (31.1%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 6.3% in Kelso versus the regional average of 4.6%. Lebanese and Korean populations also showed slight divergences with 0.4% and 0.1%, respectively, compared to their regional counterparts of 0.3% and 0.1%.

Kelso's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Kelso is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 13.8% of Kelso's population, compared to the Rest of NSW figure, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 8.7%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.0% to 13.8%, and the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 15.5% to 14.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Kelso. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 57%, adding 882 people and reaching a total of 2,432 from its current figure of 1,549.